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Nady nearly ready to return to Giants' lineup

Nady nearly ready to return to Giants' lineup

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Xavier Nady 9-1

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PHOENIX -- Left fielder Xavier Nady estimated Friday that his left hamstring is 90 percent healed and insisted that he could play if necessary. But, predictably, manager Bruce Bochy maintained caution and said that he'll wait at least another day or two before returning Nady to the lineup.

Nady, who hasn't played since he strained his hamstring Sept. 5, would be potentially useful in this series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The right-handed batter, who was 4-for-12 when he was sidelined, would have fit nicely in the lineup against Arizona, which is starting left-handed pitchers in each of the three games this weekend.

"He's so close to being able to go," said Bochy, who nevertheless was reluctant to start Nady and risk exposing the 33-year-old to a physical setback. Bochy pointed out that Nady hadn't taken fly balls yet, but could be available to pinch-hit Friday.

Nady reluctantly exercised patience.

"Obviously, you want to play this game as healthy as possible," he said. "But I understand that it's not going to be 100 percent out of the gate. I just have to be smart in certain situations and Boch knows it."